Consumed as a delicious, herbal drink or just taken as capsules, Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea), commonly known as Asian pigeonwings, bluebellvine, blue pea, butterfly pea, cordofan pea and Darwin pea, is a plant full of healthy benefits.

Advantages of Clitoria ternatea

Improve eyesight

Clitoria Ternatea contains an antioxidant called proanthocyanidin, which increases blood flow to the capillaries of the eyes, useful in treatment of glaucoma, blurred vision, retinal damage or tired eyes.

Improve hair growth

Rich in bioflavonoids, Butterfly Pea can promote hair growth and reduce greying of hair.

Improve skin

Butterfly Pea’s antioxidants stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, which helps rejuvenate the skin and lessen wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

Aphrodisiac

Butterfly Pea has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac particularly for women and used to treat menstruation problems or white vaginal discharge (leucorrhoea).

Antioxidant

Flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in Butterfly Pea flowers activate antioxidant activity, which helps decrease oxidative stress caused by disease causing and ageing free radicals.

Nootropic

Butterfly Pea has been shown to enhance cognitive function and boost brain function.

Diuretic

Butterfly Pea promotes normal urination, which in turn lowers blood pressure

Analgesic

Clitoria Ternatea has been used traditionally as a local anaesthetic as it has been shown to help relieve pain and swelling.

Anxiolyhic

Butterfly Pea has a calming effect on the body, reducing stress and anxiety

Anti-inflammatory

The deep indigo flowers contain flavonoids. Found in almost all fruits and vegetables, flavonoids are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits.

Anti-Asthmatic

It is used in common cold, cough & asthma as it acts as an expectorant and reduces the irritation of respiratory organs.

Anti-anxiety and depression

Indications are that high doses of Butterfly Pea may be adaptogenic – helping the body deal with stressors.

Anti-diabetic

Butterfly Pea has shown to inhibit glucose intake from the diet.

Anti-HIV

Butterfly Pea is one of the few herbs to contain cyclotides, which have exhibited anti-HIV effects in studies.

Anti-cancer and anti-tumor

Clitoria Ternatea’s cyclotides can cause cancer cell death by disrupting cell membrane integrity.

Anti-microbial

In several Indian studies, Butterfly Pea exhibited significant anti-microbial effects against Staphylococcus Aureus.

Anti-convulsant

Butterfly Pea has been shown to help reduce the severity and stress on the body from convulsions useful in treating epilepsy.

Anti-pyretic

Clitoria Ternatea can help reduce fever by dilating the blood vessels right beneath the skin, whereby air can cool the blood easier.